Direct Support Professional

Modern Support Services; La Cañada Flintridge (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible schedules

Ongoing training

Job summary

Modern Support Services is seeking a Direct Support Professional in the La Cañada area to mentor and advocate for adults with I/DD, helping them live more independently and engage with their communities.

You will work as part of a collaborative team, providing hands-on support, transportation, and coaching to promote dignity and growth, with opportunities for training and professional development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 21+ years old with reliable transportation.
• Valid California drivers license.
• Able to pass a background check.
• Experience in human services and/or American Sign Language is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with I/DD in daily living activities and personal care.
• Accompany clients with community access and outings.
• Coordinate and transport clients to medical appointments.
• Encourage peer interactions and help with communication and social skills.
• Follow support plans with the team to ensure a safe environment.

Skills

Judgment

Problem-solving

Communication

Empathy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Direct Support Professional

Company Overview

We are a mission-driven human services organization providing community-based support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in La Cañada and surrounding areas. Our team is dedicated to helping each person live with greater independence, connection, and dignity.

We foster an energetic, team-oriented environment where staff are encouraged to learn, grow, and build meaningful relationships with the people they support.

The Opportunity

As a Direct Support Professional, you will do work that matters every day. You will mentor, teach, and advocate for adults with I/DD, helping them build confidence, access their community, and reach their personal goals.

This is a strong fit if you enjoy being active, solving problems on the spot, and forming genuine, long-term connections. You will gain hands-on experience in human services, professional training, and support from a leadership team invested in your development.

What You'll Do

• Support individuals with I/DD in daily living activities, personal care, and routines that promote independence and dignity.
• Accompany and assist clients with community access, including social, recreational, and educational outings.
• Coordinate and transport clients to medical appointments and other essential activities using your reliable transportation.
• Encourage positive peer interactions and help clients practice communication, social skills, and problem-solving.
• Collaborate with teammates and supervisors to follow support plans, communicate observations, and ensure a safe, respectful environment.

What Success Looks Like

• Within your first 3 months, you build trusting relationships with the individuals you support and understand their routines, preferences, and goals.
• Clients you work with increase their participation in community, recreational, or peer activities based on their interests and support plans.
• You consistently arrive on time, complete required documentation, and communicate clearly with families, team members, and supervisors.
• You actively seek feedback, complete required training, and demonstrate steady growth in judgment, crisis response, and advocacy skills.

What We're Looking For

• Good judgment and practical problem-solving skills in day-to-day and unexpected situations.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with clients, families, and team members.
• A genuine passion for helping others, with the willingness to learn, receive coaching, and grow in the role.
• 21+ years old with reliable transportation, a valid CA driver's license, ability to pass a background check, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience in human services and/or American Sign Language is a plus.

Benefits

• Health insurance and additional benefits for full-time positions, flexible schedules, and ongoing training.
• Full-time and part-time roles available
• Day shifts with rotating weekend availability; 4-hour and 8-hour shifts offered; in-person work in the La Cañada area.